FOX Sports college basketball writers John Fanta and Michael Cohen preview a loaded weekend of college hoops and debate which long shot has the best chance at making a run in the NCAA Tournament.

The Wolverines are in first place in the Big Ten, while the Spartans are a half-game back entering Friday's showdown.

May has previously only observed the rivalry from afar. He worked for the basketball team at fellow Big Ten school Indiana as a student and during his coaching career. The “intensity and passion” of Michigan-Michigan State was evident to him even through a TV screen.

Michigan men's basketball head coach Dusty May says the Wolverines' full attention is on rivalry game vs. Michigan State Spartans, following Ohio State win

This is as big a game as they come for the No. 12-ranked Michigan Wolverines. They're on a six-game winning streak and coming off a big win on the road in Columbus against Ohio State. Up next is a huge in-state matchup with No.